Successful board passage requires a multi-step approach that begins with a realistic timeline. As you consider your needs and resources, review these key steps to make your board preparation experience effective, efficient, and ultimately successful.
1. Start early and establish a study schedule.
The earlier you start preparing for your board exams, the more time you will have to cover the material, and the less stressed you will feel. Start with the date of your board examination and work backward to today. Establish a timeline by calculating the number of months, weekdays, and weekend days. Develop a consistent study routine to study for 60-90 minutes (or more depending on your situation) at the same time each day. Set an alert on your phone as a reminder. Remember that you need one day a week with no study to give your mind a break and catch up on errands and home responsibilities. As a reminder, hang your study schedule in a prominent location and refer to it daily.
2. Choose resources wisely.
Many different resources (review books, online or in-person review courses, online lectures, online test banks, videos, images, and flashcards) are available to help you prepare for your board exam. Choose resources that align with your learning style. Review the exam blueprint of your specialty, focusing on high-yield facts. Consider using two online question banks to add variety and provide a more accurate status of your progress. Select a current, comprehensive review book for your medical specialty (e.g., Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, or Cleveland Clinic publications). Refer to a textbook only as necessary; otherwise, use a board review book as a primary go-to reference. It’s easy to become overwhelmed when using a textbook–so watch your time.
3. Organize your study area and clear your desk.
It is important to stay organized during your board prep. Remove clutter because our brains like order. Disorganization drains our cognitive resources and reduces our ability to focus. Organize your board prep resources (e.g., texts, review books, notes, digital files, and board review course material) to be readily accessible in one location.
4. Take breaks.
It is important to take breaks when you study. If you are a physician preparing for board exams, I encourage you to use the Pomodoro Technique. It is a time management system that helps improve focus, concentration, and productivity. Studies estimate that the attention span or the ability to concentrate on a single task is approximately 20 minutes. Install the timer on your digital devices, then set the timer for 20-25 minutes and give the work your total concentration. Don’t answer the phone, check email, or surf the internet. When the timer “dings,” take a regulated five-minute break. Get up and move around. Then start on another Pomodoro. After 4 pomodoros, take a long 15-minute break.
5. Take a 300-item practice test.
Whether you feel prepared or not, take a comprehensive practice test at the start of your board review to assess your current knowledge base. Consider taking 150 questions from two different question banks. Include as many of the topics from the examination blueprint as you can. Each month take a practice test to monitor your progress, assess your strengths and weaknesses, and build confidence.
Successful board passage requires planning, preparation, organization, and action. Starting is the hardest part of the board review process. Feeling overwhelmed is natural because the content is vast, and your time to study is limited. Use these five smart tips to successfully launch your board prep and propel you to a successful finish.
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Linda L. Carr, Ph.D., Founder/Principal at Coaching for Medical Specialty Boards, is a medical educator and learning specialist who coaches physicians preparing for specialty boards through virtual, one-on-one coaching. Visit www.DrLindaCarr.org to learn more about her program and download her FREE Study Guide.